Trader Joe's Wine and Food Pairings

Episode 3 of our Wine & Trader Joe’s Series just landed – perfect timing for all of those holiday parties you have on the cal. Keep an eye on our Instagram (@makerwine) for more Trader Joe's wine pairings and other holiday entertaining ideas (e.g. cheese pairing tips) – we’ll be sharing them all season long.

Here, we’re recapping the first three episodes of the series, sharing easy-to-whip-up recipes by Lexi Stephens of Lexi’s Wine List. Every recipes uses ingredients you can find at your local Trader Joe’s – including some iconic ones you’re might have in your basket already.

Get all three recipes below!

Eps. 1: Cheesy Garlic Crostini and Sparkling Rosé

Episode 1 features cheesy, garlicky crostinis paired with Bodkin Wines’ Sparkling Rosé. This pairing is a match made in heaven because the super savory cheese brings out the fruitiness of the dry rosé. Then, the bubbles and mild acidity cleanse the palate between cheesy bites.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette

• Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip

• Asiago cheese

• fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Slice baguette and toast until just golden brown.

2. Top each slice with a bit of garlic spread and shredded cheese.

3. Place back into the oven on broil until the cheese is melted and golden.

4. Top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with Sparkling Rosé.

Shop Sparkling Rosé

7 GOLD MEDALS

• Minority-Owned

Sparkling Rosé Wine

Bodkin Wines, North Coast, CA

Fresh berries and citrus blossoms; a bone dry, lightly bubbly Rosé that's happiness in a can.

6 cans= 2 bottles

$48

Add to cart

Eps. 2: Scallion Pancake Breakfast Taco and Sparkling Riesling

Episode 2 features another bubbly beauty, this one from Ser Winery. Our dry Sparkling Riesling has notes of citrus and ripe tropical fruits, making it the perfect complement to anything with a little kick. This recipe would be super fun for an easy weeknight dinner, brunch during the holiday season, or as a late night snack on a night like New Year’s Eve.

Ingredients:

• 1 Trader Joes’s Scallion Pancake

• 1 egg

• green onions, minced

• hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and toast the scallion pancake until golden on both sides.

2. Remove from pan, then crack egg in the same pan (still over medium heat). Cook egg to your preferred doneness.

3. Top pancake with egg, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Enjoy with a glass of Sparkling Riesling.

Shop Sparkling Riesling

• Woman-Owned

Dry Sparkling Riesling

Ser Winery, Monterey, CA

Lime, pear, and a hint of pineapple - all the aromatics of Riesling, sans the sugar.

6 cans= 2 bottles

$54

Add to cart

Eps. 3: Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese and Alta Orsa Chardonnay

Our latest recipe in Episode 3 features the most delicious garlic naan and our smooth, dry Chardonnay. If you haven’t had our Handley Chard yet, rest assured that this is not your grandma’s buttery Chardonnay – it’s crisp, refreshing, and the perfect compliment to something rich, like this garlicky grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of Trader Joe’s Garlic Naan

• handful of Trader Joe’s shredded Gruyere and Swiss cheese blend*

• 2 Tbsp butter

*Some things, like cheese, just don’t need to be measured perfectly.

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Place one slice of naan in pan, add cheese, and place the other slice on top. Toast on both sides until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

3. Remove from the pan, slice in half, and enjoy with a glass of Chard.

Shop Chardonnay

• Woman-Owned

Chardonnay

Handley Cellars, Anderson Valley, CA

A delightfully crisp French-inspired Chardonnay that will please Chard lovers and the “anything but Chardonnay” crowd.

6 cans= 2 bottles

$60

Add to cart

Drooling already? We certainly are. Share your Trader Joe's wine and food pairings with us over on Instagram, @makerwine!